East Texas Child Services Conducts Urgent Training to Combat Abuse
URGENT UPDATE: A critical training exercise to enhance cooperation among child protective services and law enforcement is underway at the Martin House Children’s Advocacy Center in Longview, Texas. The training is designed to equip officials with the skills needed to effectively investigate child abuse cases and ensure the safety of both workers and vulnerable children.
Just hours ago, dozens of workers from the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services engaged in realistic scenario-based training to prepare for the grim realities of entering homes where abuse may be occurring. This immersive exercise involved entering a mock home set up to reflect conditions often found in abusive environments, complete with scattered toys, drug paraphernalia, and signs of neglect.
According to Landon Corbett, a lieutenant in the Texas Department of Public Safety’s Criminal Investigations Division, this training is a vital step in bridging the gap between law enforcement and child protective services. “It’s just an opportunity to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the folks who are doing the work protecting the kids,” Corbett stated.
The Martin House, which serves more than 800 children annually, is one of the 77 child advocacy centers across Texas dedicated to assisting young victims of abuse. The center plays a pivotal role in coordinating interviews, providing counseling, and ensuring that law enforcement is well-informed about the nuances of each case.
During the training, participants learned to recognize the signs of abuse and navigate challenging situations. The scenario also included engaging with actors portraying abusive parents, which highlighted the importance of gathering critical information during initial family contacts. As Deirdre Phillips, a regional administrator with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, noted, “Initial contacts provide a lot of information to children’s advocates and law enforcement officials.”
This training program, first pioneered in 2019, is now expanding statewide, driven by the commitment to keep children safe. As Alex Davidson, a special investigator at the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, emphasized, “Our overarching goal is keeping children safe. In order to do that, we have to keep ourselves safe.”
Participants concluded the day with a debriefing session to reflect on the experience and identify areas for improvement. The exercise not only prepared these professionals for real-life dangers but also reinforced the significance of collaboration in child protection efforts.
Roxanne Stevenson, CEO of the Martin House, highlighted the dedication of these workers, stating, “These are good people working really hard to keep children safe, and they don’t get enough credit for the work that they do.”
In addition to training initiatives, the Martin House is actively raising funds for a new $6.25 million facility aimed at improving services for children. So far, they have raised over $5 million.
For those interested in supporting this vital cause, donations can be made through their website at www.themartinhousecac.org, or by calling (903) 807-0189. To report suspected child abuse, individuals can contact the Texas Abuse Hotline at (800) 252-5400, or dial 911 in emergencies.
The impact of these training sessions extends beyond immediate safety; they forge a path for improved outcomes for children at risk. With the increasing focus on collaboration and preparedness, East Texas is taking significant steps to ensure that the most vulnerable members of the community receive the support and protection they desperately need.
